STAND. COM. REP. NO.  842

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1374

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1374 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to expedite the approval of Department of Transportation (DOT) roadway construction projects by repealing the requirement that a noise variance be obtained from the Department of Health (DOH) for all off-hour roadwork.

     DOT and DOH submitted testimony in support of this bill.

     Your Committee finds that off-hour roadwork requires a noise variance from the Director of Health, and involves a process that is lengthy, time-consuming, and costly for DOT.  Your Committee finds that this bill will streamline the process while allowing  noise concerns to be addressed through the permitting process, which will provide an opportunity for public comment on applications for off-hour roadwork.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1374 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

HERMINA MORITA, Chair